BGTF stands by destitute theatre artistes

Bangladesh Group Theater Federation, the umbrella organisation which promotes theater practices across the country, has taken an initiative to help struggling theater artistes.

The organisation has established a welfare fund for providing financial assistance to destitute artistes across the country.

The organisation arranges a special show every month where a BGTF member theater troupe stages a popular production. The proceeds from the show are donated to the welfare fund, which was established recently.

As part of the initiative, renowned theater troupe Loko Natyadal staged Kanjus on August 29.

When contacted, BGTF secretary general Kamal Bayezid said, ‘Artistes pursue theater because they love it. They do not make much money from acting in stage plays. They dedicate their lives to the theater scene so we felt that it is our duty to stand beside them when they become ill or suffer from financial crisis.’

‘We are organizing one show every month for collecting funds. We help ailing theater artistes and provide financial aid to theater artistes who cannot marry off their children due to financial constraints.  We have already given financial assistance to Dinajpur- based Parbatipur Theater artiste Mozaffar Ahmed who have been suffering from kidney disease,’ said Kamal Bayezid, adding that the government should stand by destitute artistes.

‘Theater troupe Nagarik Natyangan will stage Gohor Badsha O Banechha Pori at National Theater Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on October 4 as part of the initiative,’ added Kamal.

When contacted, thespian Mamunur Rashid said, ‘It is a great initiative and I hope they will continue it. The organisation is trying to raise funds by organizing one show each month. However, the

money being collected from a show is very little.’

‘The government knows the condition of the theater artistes and should come to the aid of the ailing artistes,’ said   Mamunur Rashid.

Honorary president of International Theater Institute Ramendu Majumdar said, ‘The initiative is good but it takes a long time to raise funds by organizing only one show a month. Besides BGTF, the government and the private organisations should stand beside ailing theater artistes.’